Dr. Boamah: Ghana will win gold in Rio 2016

The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Edward Omane Boamah is convinced that Ghana will win a gold medal at the next Olympic Games in Rio 2016 despite Team Ghana’s inability to win medals at the Olympic Games.

Ghana’s nine-member team took part in boxing, athletics, weightlifting and Judo but were unable to make much progress due to what many believe was inadequate preparation towards the Games.

However, speaking to athletes and officials of Team Ghana at the Olympic Games Village in London, deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Edward Omane Boamah said he is confident that Ghana will break the jinx at the next Olympic Games.

“I’m convinced that Ghana will capture a gold medal at the next Olympic Games, if not gold, then silver,” he said but quickly adding that, “but the journey begins today.”

Dr. Boamah also encouraged the team to build on their experiences at the Games saying that useful lessons have been learnt in London and that Ghana will present a 200 member delegation in the next Olympic Games.

“When I talk about a 200 member delegation, it may sound too huge but imagine we qualify for football, male and female, where does that number lead us to? And if we qualify for volleyball, male and female, that number pushes us up.”

“So this is jest of the message I have for you. As a government and people, we know it’s very difficult particularly when we so close to the Jamaican who are largely our cousins. They were doing so well."

“Do not be broken hearted. Let this be the trigger that will spear us on to do the right thing as athletes, coaches and managers and as administrators, to better our sports.”

Ghana has won four medals at the Olympic Games but is yet to pick up another medal since the Black Meteors won bronze in the men's football tournament in 1992.